The time to celebrate the unsung community heroes of the North East is here.

The Chronicle Champions Awards were held on Thursday night to honour the bravest and most inspirational people in our region.

Held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, awards were be handed out in eleven categories: Community Champion, Champion Fundraiser, Champion Teacher, Young Role Model, Unsung Sporting Champion, Armed Forces Champion, Special Recognition, Good Samaritan, Champion Mum or Dad, Green Champion, Champion Business, Outstanding Act of Bravery and Champion Child of Courage

Hosted by BBC Newcastle’s Anna Foster, the nominees wwew recognised for everything they do in their community.

Outstanding bravery

Our Champion Business

Congratulations to Reece group

The Champion Business of the year goes to Reece group, for their outstanding work in the community and massive charity donations, and is presented by Newcastle City Councillor Kim McGuinness.

22:10

Green Champions

Congratulations to green champions Wilfred and Ted.

22:09

Lifesaving mum

We’ve now got Jean Telford, who somehow managed to stay calm and save the life of her son when his artery burst while driving. Jean’s 50 years of nursing experience kicked in as Shane lay bleeding from his groin on the roadside.

With blood spurting into the air, she knew he was likely to die in her arms, but showed remarkable composure, even when her son told her “I feel myself going”.

22:07

Good Samaritans recognised

We’re back after a break for dinner, and the first category is the Good Samaritan award, given to the four life savers who rescued a man dangling from the Tyne Bridge.

Blyth teacher Ashley Rawlings and her friend Abbie Mott were first on the scene, with Ashley clinging on to the man’s arm while Abbie flagged down Andrew Fairlamb as he drove across the bridge.

The trio summoned every last ounce of strength to hold onto him, until Sgt Jamie Bell arrived and used his belt to tie himself to the distressed man. These three (and Abbie) are life savers .

21:52

Chron Champs karaoke

Very festive!

Community Corner enjoying the fun

21:18

Winners enjoying their night

Young role model Jack seems to be enjoying his night out. Congratulations Jack!

21:14KEY EVENT

Watch the moment Bradley's parents take to the stage

Moving scenes as the audience rises in a standing ovation for the brave Lowery family.

20:53

"I wish I had waterproof mascara"

Lisa Hamilton is clearly feeling the emotion in the room tonight.

Our child of courage award will be presented later this evening.

20:47

"Inspiring evening"

Thanks to the Banks Group, who seem to be enjoying their night.

20:40

Not a dry eye in the house

It’s an emotional moment as Gemma and Carl Lowery accept their award.

20:37

Bradley Lowery's family's Special Recognition award

The Lowery family were greeted with rapturous applause as they took to the stage.

Here’s Bradley’s story, as told by mum Gemma.

20:19

Armed forces award

Having sailed 2,000 miles around the UK after a devastating brain injury while on duty with the Household Cavalry, Alan Purdy achieved what most thought impossible.

20:17

Unsung Sporting Hero

20:16

Top nine-year-old volunteer

Some true inspirations tonight - this is nine-year-old Jack Thompson, who has ‘three jobs’ dedicated to helping others.

Deaf YouTube star accepts award - in sign language

Here’s our next Young Role Model, Danny Murphy.

Tom says: “Danny, a deaf child of deaf parents, is a natural performer. At 13 he has already co-presented a programme aimed at a deaf audience, and made comedy videos which have hit 1.5 million views on YouTube. “

20:03

Young role model

This is Alfie Matfin, a true inspiration.

Taking on the Mini Great North Run, Alfie has so far raised more than £1,600 for Gosforth-based charity St Oswald’s as a thank you for their support through his grieving process.

On stage, Alfie’s mum said to him: “You’re just so great,” adding “To turn something so tragic into something so amazing is just incredible.”

19:55

Kenton school's Champion Teacher

19:55

Champion Fundraiser

This is seven-year-old Joe Denny, one of our Champion Fundraisers.

He planned to run a mile every day throughout June, but the energetic youngster enjoyed the project that ended up running more than 50 miles for this great cause for which he has been crowned Champion Fundraiser.

And he didn’t get any blisters!

19:52

West End Foodbank winners

Britain’s busiest foodbank has also netted a Community Champion award.